Assistive Holder

ABSTRACT

A tool for securing an object, such as a cell phone, to a body part, such as a wrist, of a user. The assistive holder includes a strap having a sleeve and a channel located along the strap, wherein an external clip fastener can be positioned in either the sleeve or the channel. Fasteners on either end of the strap can be attached to one another, thereby forming a loop that can encircle a wrist. In operation, the user attaches an object to an upper surface of the external clip fastener, and then removably secures the object and external clip fastener to the sleeve or channel, per the user&#39;s desired orientation of the object.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/604,132 filed on Jun. 26, 2017. The above identified patentapplication is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety toprovide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to assistive bands and holders. Morespecifically, the present invention provides an assistive holder forsecuring an object, such as a cell phone, to a wrist of a user. Thepresent invention provides a strap having a first panel connected to asecond panel, wherein a first end and a second end of the strap eachinclude a fastener configured to removably secure to one another to forma loop. A sleeve having a first end affixed to a first edge of the firstpanel, and a second end affixed to a second edge of the first panel,such that an opening is formed, allowing the sleeve to receive anobject. A pair of connections run perpendicular to a longitudinal axisof the strap between an opening of the sleeve and fastener forming achannel, such that the channel extends through the first and secondpanel. Additionally, the device comprises an external clip fastenerhaving a planar upper surface configured to receive an object flushthereupon, wherein the external clip fastener is configured to removablysecure to the sleeve or channel thereby.

Many individuals carry objects in their hand on a day to day basis.However, elderly individuals can have decreased grip strength, which canlead to a difficulty in securely holding everyday objects, such as acell phone. Because of the poor grip strength, some individuals willdrop their objects resulting in damage, and in some cases forcing anexpensive replacement of the object. Additionally, elderly individualscan suffer from hand tremors, which causes cell phones they are holdingto shake, making it difficult to read the information currentlydisplayed. Furthermore, individuals with certain chemotherapy treatmentssuffer from peripheral neuropathy, wherein they cannot feel when theyare holding an object and are not able to tell if they've dropped it.Other individuals may wish to use a device, such as a cell phone or aflashlight, while their hands are utilized elsewhere, such as searchingfor a light switch or holding the leash of a dog. In this way,attempting to hold multiple items can cause in the individual to payless attention than is necessary and result in injury to both the itemsand the person.

Devices have been disclosed in the known art that relate to assistiveholder devices. These include devices that have been patented andpublished in patent application publications. These devices generallyrelate to straps that loop and fasten thereby to a body part such as awrist. These known art devices have several known drawbacks. Thesedevices fail to disclose a planar surface configured to affix to anobject. Additionally, unlike the known art, the external clip fastenerconfigured to affix to an object is removable and thereforemanipulatable within the strap.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted thatthe present invention substantially diverges in design elements from theknown art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the artfor an improvement to existing assistive holder devices. In this regardthe instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofassistive bands and holders now present in the known art, the presentinvention provides a new assistive holder wherein the same can beutilized for providing convenience for the user when securing an objectto a body part, such as a wrist.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved assistive band or holder device that has all of the advantagesof the known art and none of the disadvantages. The assistive holdercomprises a strap having a sleeve and a channel disposed along thestrap, wherein an external clip fastener can be positioned in either thesleeve or the channel. Fasteners on either end are configured to affixto one another, thereby forming a loop configured to encircle a wrist.In operation, the user affixes an object to an upper surface of theexternal clip fastener, and then removably secures the object andexternal clip fastener to the sleeve or channel, per the user's desiredorientation of the object.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an assistiveholder or band that may be readily fabricated from materials that permitrelative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and mannerin which it may be made and used may be better understood after a reviewof the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the assistive holder.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded-side view of an embodiment of the assistiveholder.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the assistiveholder, wherein the strap is in a loop configuration and the externalfastener is affixed to the sleeve of the assistive holder.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the assistiveholder, wherein an object is affixed to the external clip fastener inthe sleeve.

FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the assistiveholder, wherein an object is affixed to the external clip fastener inthe channel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like referencenumerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similarelements of the assistive holder. For the purposes of presenting a briefand clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodimentwill be discussed as used for aiding in holding an object in a handsfreemanner. The figures are intended for representative purposes only andshould not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, there are shown explodedviews of an embodiment of the assistive holder, and another perspectiveview of an embodiment of the assistive holder wherein the strap is in aloop configuration and the external fastener is affixed to the sleeve ofthe assistive holder, respectively. An assistive holder 10 comprises astrap 11 having a first end 12 and a second end 13, and a first panel 14connected to a second panel 15. In the illustrated embodiment the firstpanel 14 overlays the second panel 15 such that an outermost edge ofeach panel share the same boundary. In the shown embodiment, the firstpanel 14 is connected to the second panel 15 via connectors 16 alongthis same boundary.

In one embodiment, a cushion 115 is disposed between the first panel 14and the second panel 15, such that the cushion is secured between theconnectors of the first panel 14 and the second panel 15, therebyenabling the individual to wear the assistive holder 10 for an extendedperiod of time without discomfort caused by a weight of an objectconfigured to affix to the as ve holder 10. In the illustratedembodiment, the cushion 115 comprises a section of the strap disposedbetween a sleeve 18 and a fastener 17. However in other embodiments, thecushion comprises the length of the strap 11 such that it is disposedbetween the first end 12 and the second end 13. The strap 11 isconfigured to encircle a body part of an individual. In one embodiment,the second panel 15 is configured to encircle a wrist, however in otherembodiments the second panel 15 is configured to encircle a palm of ahand, a forearm, or other suitably sized body part. The first end 12 andthe second end 13 each include a fastener 17 configured to removablysecure each end to one another to form a loop. In the shown embodiments,the fasteners 17 comprise a hook and loop, however in alternateembodiments the fasteners 17 comprise magnets, snaps or other suitablefasteners.

The assistive holder 10 further comprises a sleeve 18 having a first end118 and a second end 128, wherein the first end 118 of the sleeve 18 isaffixed to a first edge of the first panel 14, and the second end 128 ofthe sleeve 18 is affixed to a second edge of the first panel 14, suchthat an opening is formed that is configured to receive an objecttherethrough and the sleeve 18 is disposed fixedly. The first end 118and the second end 128 are each affixed to the first panel 14 throughconnectors 16.

Additionally, a pair of connections 16, are disposed perpendicular to alongitudinal axis of the strap 11 between an opening of the sleeve 18and a fastener 17 forming a channel 19, such that the channel 19 extendsthrough the first panel 14 and second panel 15. In one embodiment, thechannel 19 is disposed between sleeve 18 and the fastener 17 on thefirst end 15, however in other embodiments the channel 19 is disposedbetween the sleeve 18 and the fastener 17 on the second end 15. Thechannel 19 is configured to receive an object therethrough. In theillustrated embodiment, the sleeve 18 and channel 19 are disposed suchthat they are opposite the fasteners 17 when the loop is formed. In theillustrated embodiment the connections 16 are seams. However, anysuitable fastener, such as adhesive, can be used to form a connectionbetween the first panel 14 and the second panel 15, such that a channelis formed therebetween.

The assistive holder 10 further comprises an external clip fastener 20,having a first end and a second end configured to removably secure tothe sleeve 18 or channel 19 thereby, wherein the external clip fastener20 receives a width of the sleeve 18 or channel 19 disposed on opposingsides of the clip therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, an uppersurface 21 of the external clip fastener 20 is planar and includes anadhesive thereupon, such that it is configured to receive an object 70flush against the upper surface 21. In the illustrated embodiment, anindentation 211 is disposed on a lower surface of the external clipfastener 20, wherein the indentation 211 is configured to receive athumb or a finger of a user. Further, the indentation 211 is composed ofa different material than the external clip fastener 20, wherein thematerial of the indentation 211 is rough and provides a frictionalsurface, such that the user may easily grip the external clip fastener20. In one embodiment, the second end of the external clip fastener 20is elongated and tilted towards the upper surface 21 of the clip, suchthat a tab 22 having an upper surface 212 is formed, wherein the uppersurface 212 of the tab 22 is planar and aligned with the upper surface21 of the external clip fastener 20. The tab 22 is ergonomicallyconfigured to receive a thumb or a finger of a user such that the usercan simultaneously pull up on an object affixed to the upper surface 21of the external clip fastener 20 while the thumb or finger can depressthe tab 22, thereby releasing the external clip fastener 20 from thesleeve 18 or the channel 19. Further, the tab 22 provides additionalseparation between the opposing sides of the clip thereby increasing theease with which a user can affix the external clip fastener 20 to thestrap 11. Additionally, the tab 22 prevents the external clip fastenerfrom sliding off the sleeve 18 or the channel 19 once affixed. Thereby,the tab 22 allows the external clip fastener 20 to easily and securelyattached to the strap 11.

Referring now to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, there is shown a perspective viewof an embodiment of the assistive holder wherein an object is affixed tothe external clip fastener positioned in the sleeve, and a perspectiveview of an embodiment of the assistive holder wherein an object isaffixed to the external clip fastener positioned in the channel,respectively. In one embodiment, the external clip fastener 20 isconfigured to removably secure to the sleeve 18 of the strap 11 suchthat the lateral sides 201 of the external clip fastener 20 is disposedparallel to the strap 11 along the longitudinal axis, wherein thelongitudinal axis is disposed between the first end and the second endof the strap. In an alternate embodiment, the external clip fastener 20is configured to removably secure to the channel 19 of the strap 11 suchthat the external clip fastener 20 is disposed along the lateral axis,wherein the lateral axis is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis. Thus the external clip fastener 20 removably secures to a positionthat is most desirable to an individual using the device, therebyenabling the individual to manually rotate the object 70 affixed to theupper surface 21 of the external clip fastener 20 without rotating thestrap 11 or body part the strap 11 is configured to encircle.

In operation, the assistive holder provides an apparatus to aid inconveying an object in a handsfree manner. The second panel of the strapis configured to encircle the body part of a user, wherein the fastenerson the first end and the second end are configured to removably secureeach end to one another to form a loop. An object is configured toadhesively affix to the upper surface of the external clip fastener,such that the object rests flush against the upper surface. The externalclip fastener is removably secured to the sleeve of the strap, shouldthe user desire the object positioned in a longitudinal orientation.However, in other embodiments the external clip fastener is removablysecured to the channel of the strap, should the user desire the objectpositioned in a lateral orientation. The assistive holder is configuredto aid in holding and using the object in a secure handsfree manner,thereby enabling the user to use their hands for other activities andnegating any fear of dropping the object.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown anddescribed in what is considered to be the most practical and preferredembodiments. It is recognized, however that departures may be madewithin the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications willoccur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the abovedescription then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensionalrelationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations insize, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation assemblyand use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in theart, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in thedrawings and described in the specification are intended to beencompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

I claim: 1) An assistive holder, comprising: a strap comprising a firstend, a second end, a first panel connected to a second panel; whereinthe first end and the second end each include a fastener configured toremovably secure each end to one another to form a loop; a sleeve havinga first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the sleeve isaffixed to a first edge of the first panel, and the second end of thesleeve is affixed to a second edge of the first panel, such that anopening is formed configured to receive an object therethrough; whereina pair of connections run perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of thestrap between a first opening of the sleeve and a first fastener forminga channel such that the channel extends through the first and secondpanel; an external clip fastener, having a first end and a second endconfigured to removably secure to the sleeve or channel thereby. 2) Theassistive holder of claim 1, wherein the second panel comprises acushion configured to encircle a wearer's wrist. 3) The assistive holderof claim 1, wherein the second panel is connected to the first panel viaseams. 4) The assistive holder of claim 1, wherein the channel ispositioned such that it is between the sleeve and the second end of thestrap. 5) The assistive holder of claim 1, wherein the channel ispositioned such that it is between the sleeve and the first end of thestrap. 6) The assistive holder of claim 1, wherein the sleeve andchannel are disposed such that they are opposite the fasteners when theloop is formed. 7) The assistive holder of claim 1, wherein an uppersurface of the external clip fastener is planar and includes an adhesivethereupon, such that it is configured to receive an object flush againstthe upper surface. 8) The assistive holder of claim 1, wherein a secondend of the external clip fastener is elongated and tilted towards theupper surface of the external clip fastener, such that a tab is created,wherein the tab is configured to aid in removal and attachment of theexternal fastener to the strap. 9) The assistive holder of claim 1,wherein a lower surface of the external clip fastener comprises anindentation configured to receive a finger or thumb therein.